Not the gussied up, crazily creative pizzas that have taken the nation (but not Vegas) by storm. Just a simple, coal-fired, brick oven pizza that is a shining example of why this Italian snack got so popular in the first place.

* As much as ELV loves classic New York pizza, he has maintained for years (and recently was interviewed by the Food Network about this), that the pizza capital of the United States is New Haven, CT. Not all of New Haven mind you, just a three block long stretch of Wooster Street where you’ll find the best pizza in the universe.

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6 thoughts on “New York City Pizza”

Having grown up in Southern CT, I’ve come to realize I have some authority in this department I never anticipated. Pizza in NY/CT and yes, NJ is so generally strong that one ought to just stop looking for it anywhere else.

Though the three contenders of Vegas all have their merits (Anthony’s, Settebello and Grimaldi’s) I haven’t been won over by any of them, honestly. I think Stratta’s pies in Wynn are underrated, but I’ll also admit I haven’t done a full survey of Vegas pie. I couldn’t stand that amount of disappointment (not to mention carbo-loading).

As for LA, Mr. Richman is certainly right about one place: Tomato Pie Pizza Joint (#7). It’s as close to NY pizza as I’ve had on the west coast. Vito’s on LaCienega, shockingly, is also a very good NY Style pie. My local, Casa Bianca, is a fun curiosity, but it’s not NY style.

Growing up in lovely ( not really) Brigdeport, CT, although we had our own great local places, would always get on the 95 and go 10 minutes away to Pepes and Modern, and always end up arguing which was the best. FYi, Peps now has an outpost in Fairfield, CT, which is constantly packed. I think the Cosmopolitan should get rid of their STK franchise, how may more of these do we need ??!!,,, and call the peeps at Pepes or Modern instead.